3 Benefits Of Using Eye Covers While Sleeping

Illustration of sleep with closed eyes (Pexels/Anna Nekrashevich)

JAKARTA - Sleeping at night in the dark is highly recommended because it can improve sleep quality and reduce depression. According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, exposure to light at night and even at very low levels can increase the risk of depression.

Therefore, apart from turning off the lights, using eye coverings while sleeping is also important. There are several benefits of using eye coverings during sleep that are not widely known by people, as follows.

1. Increase the duration and quality of sleep

Light in the surrounding environment during sleep has a big influence on sleep quality. The darker the room, the more likely the body will reach deeper and more quality sleep, including in the REM phase.

Quoted from the National Sleep Foundation, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the REM phase is a stage of sleep where most dreams occur. This phase is important because it stimulates brain areas that function with learning and memory.

an eye-covering can provide total darkness, which generally improves sleep quality because you are not disturbed by external light," said certified sleep coach David Rubin.

2. Improve memory

Light while sleeping can also interfere with the recovery process of the body and brain at night, which can affect memory. This is where eye coverings play an important role.

The cover of the eye helps create a darker and calmer sleep atmosphere, which allows the body to enter a deep sleep phase. Under these conditions, the brain can work more optimally to strengthen memory and increase concentration.

3. Protect the skin while sleeping

Quality and sufficient sleep also has a major impact on skin health, including in the area around the eyes. Skin in the eye area tends to be thinner, sensitive, and prone to signs of premature aging.

At night, facial skin will also rub with pillows, bed sheets, and blankets, which can cause wrinkles including around the eye area. By wearing an eye covering, the layer of the skin around the eye can be protected from friction.